Borah’s Mann commits to Boise State football

Borah High defensive lineman Hawkins Mann has committed to play football at Boise State, he told the Statesman on Monday. Mann, who will play his senior season at Borah in the fall, will join the Broncos’ 2014 signing class.

Mann (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) said he was offered Sunday afternoon at Boise State’s camp — and he accepted immediately.

“I knew right away it’s the best place for me,” said Mann, who has lived in Boise since he was a toddler. “No one else can pull me out of this commitment.”

His family has deep ties in the Valley. His grandfather taught and coached in the Treasure Valley and his father Vince is Borah’s athletic director.

Hawkins Mann

Mann had an offer from Army and had a visit lined up at Stanford, he said. He also had interest from Idaho, Utah State and BYU. Mann had given Montana a conditional commitment, but told the school he would pursue scholarship offers in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Mann said he called Montana on Sunday to tell coaches pf his decision and they were “very supportive.”

Mann said he expects to play defensive end or linebacker at Boise State. He plays offensive and defensive line at Borah.

“I think he’s kind of a hybrid guy. He can put his hand in the dirt and he’s also a linebacker type with great quickness,” Borah coach Darren Corpus said. “Based on his work ethic, whatever they decide, he’ll give it 110 percent to be that person in that position. Whatever role they give him, he knows team first.”

Borah is attending Boise State’s team camp this week. Corpus said Mann is “sky high.”

“There was some excitement,” Mann said after committing to Boise State. “And then the realization that there is still a lot of work to be done. I’ve got to get back in the weight room and back to helping my team prep for this season.”

Said Corpus: “It speaks volumes for Hawkins Mann. He’s put a lot of work into his own game. He is a great leader that has given younger guys that work ethic mentality that they need.”

Mann is the seventh commitment for the Class of 2014 confirmed by the Statesman.

Sports columnist Brian Murphy writes about all sports in the Treasure Valley with a concentration on Boise State football and men's basketball. Murph has been with the Statesman since 2005. You can follow him on Twitter @MurphsTurph.